What Tuesday’s international friendly means to a growing Auburn soccer community

When Auburn head women’s soccer coach James Armstrong first heard the news, his immediate reaction was one of pure disbelief. It is a sentiment shared across the Plains as the community prepares for a spectacle unlike anything the city has hosted before: an international friendly between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium this Tuesday.

A Historic Moment on the Plains

This match marks the first time Auburn’s storied football stadium will host an international soccer game. Expectations are high, with university officials announcing that the event is on track to set a record for the highest-attended soccer match in Alabama history.

For Armstrong, who has witnessed the steady growth of soccer during his seven seasons on the staff, the visit from global icon Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates is a monumental platform. In an interview with 205focus.com, Armstrong noted the dual benefit: showcasing the sport to the local community and demonstrating the unique appeal of Auburn to international visitors.

Fueling a Soccer Boom

The atmosphere surrounding the match highlights how deeply soccer has embedded itself into the Auburn identity. With reports suggesting that as many as 30,000 tickets were purchased by individuals attending an Auburn event for the first time, the game is serving as a massive gateway for new fans. With the World Cup approaching in nearby Atlanta, the momentum is undeniable.

The local talent pool is already thriving, highlighted by Auburn High School’s recent 7A state championships for both the boys and girls programs. Furthermore, the state continues to produce elite-level talent, such as Hoover native and U.S. men’s national team regular Chris Richards.

Community and Economic Impact

Meghan Kemp, executive director of the Auburn Soccer Club, has seen the sport's reach expand firsthand. Since 2014, the club has grown from 250 participants to over 500, even expanding its footprint into the Chattahoochee Valley. Kemp noted that the buzz around Tuesday’s game has already driven significant interest in club tryouts, calling the event the talk of the town.

The university also prioritized accessibility to ensure the local community could participate in the historic event. Rhett Hobart, deputy athletic director for external affairs and chief revenue officer, explained that the department deliberately priced thousands of tickets at $45 to keep the experience attainable for local families. Beyond the pitch, the university anticipates an economic impact exceeding $10 million for the city of Auburn.

Inspiring the Next Generation

While the long-term legacy of the match remains to be seen, the immediate impact on the fan base is clear. For Armstrong, the opportunity for local players to witness greatness in their own backyard is transformative.

“I guarantee you there are going to be so many people that come away so excited that they saw Messi play,” Armstrong said. “But there’s going to be a lot of other players from both teams that they’re like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that person did this, and I want to try that now.’ It gives me goosebumps thinking about it.”